Leominster’s The Evil Streak Revive Classic Garage Rock Sound

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Saturday, March 09, 2013

Jeffrey Starr, GoLocalWorcester Contributor

"If you dipped, The Cramps, into a pot of The Sonics and added a pinch of sweetness of the Go-Gos, you'd get The Evil Streaks," says the Leominster-native band. To put it more succinctly, The Evil Streaks are something close to what you expect from a Garage Rock or Punk band, with a bit of their unique style and flare.

On the stage you finally commonly find them dressed only in black and white, playing a blend of heavy yet lively self-described blend of the "trashy garage sound" of the 60s with a "punkibilly sound."

The members of the band include both "Myra" and John Kozik on guitar and vocals, the "Rev" on bass, "Too Fast" Jim Nicholas, and there's even an organ player by the name of Jennifer Brunelle.

This is not their first go around. They are veterans of the local music circuit.

Myra and John played in Gein and the Graverobbers and The Disconnect together. Rev had played in Gein and the Graverobbers with Myra. And Jim and John had played in The Crimson Ghosts together.

"Just from out various bands playing the area, we have expanded our contacts throughout Wormtown," says the band.

The music that emanates from the members when combined is a smooth mix of fun and energy, that at the same time shows a great deal of effort and a special love of the art.

"I hope people get the tongue in cheek campy-ness of the lyrics, realize how much fun we have playing the music but also understand how much work and dedication that we've put into it all. Ultimately they dig it and come out to a live show and get to see that first hand," says John Kozik.

"I don't know what it is, but I really feel like I am in my element when I am up on stage with my bandmates performing. There is a lot of positive energy that I feel when I am up there. It is just a lot of fun to play with your friends, to your friends, where everyone appreciates each others' art," says Myra. She goes on.

"As a kid I was moved by music. I loved how it made me feel. Happy songs, sad songs... angry songs. It has always helped me feel and play out my emotions. Whether it be a song dedication to someone special or a really good workout tune."

The band has been on the rise since their first release, the 7" vinyl EP Go Go To Hell. This past year the band released its first full length album entitled Talk to the Dead and will soon be entering the studio again to record new songs for a split EP. The band also just released a music video for their song "Highway" and are already working on a follow up video. They will be going on tour this summer.

"Write, record, release and play shows is the cycle for this band," says John.

What type of songs should you expect upon a first listen?

"I really like a good simple hook that can get stuck in your head. My lyrics are usually inspired by female villains in horror movies, a dark character from a story I've written or from life experiences," says Myra.

Look out for them at concert venues throughout Central Mass.

For more information The Evil Streaks and to hear some of their music please find them on Facebook, Reverbnation, or at BandCamp.
 

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